Ostrich cuddles orphaned elephants to help them heal after losing their mothers

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when Jotto the baby elephant was only one month old, he fell into a well and separated from his herd. Fortunately, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) rescued him and took him to an elephant orphanage in Kenya, where he could recover until he was ready to return to the wild.

Although the orphanage had plenty of elephants to keep Jotto company, he formed a special bond with an ostrich named Pea. Pea had been rescued in 2014 along with her brother Pod when the staff went to save a baby elephant. Pod has since returned to the wild and joined a group of wild ostriches, but Pea decided to stay with the elephants at the orphanage.

Pea has become an essential companion for Jotto, and the two have become best friends. Pea snuggles with Jotto and helps him heal from the loss of his family. According to DSWT, “a young ostrich Pea is certain that she belongs to the elephant herd, and small Jotto is more than happy to enjoy a cuddle with his feathered friend.” It is heartwarming to see the tender moments between these two orphans at the Nairobi Nursery, where they, along with many others, are allowed to heal and eventually return to the wild.

Pea the orphaned ostrich has found a home among the elephants at the DSWT orphanage in Kenya. She has become an essential companion for Jotto, the baby elephant, helping him heal from losing his family. It is a beautiful reminder that friends can come in various sizes and forms. The bonds of friendship can transcend even the boundaries of species.